Tamala Poljak, LMFT (they/them)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #123288
Clinical supervisor / Professional consultant
Philosophy & Approach
I’m a trauma-informed, relational, psychodynamic therapist who views their work with patients through a feminist, queer, LGBTQ-affirmative and anti-racist lens.
I work with individuals and with people (two or more) in all kinds of relationships, eg: sexual, romantic, professional, plutonic and/or nesting partnerships, intimate friendships, creative collaborators, bands and families (of origin, blended or chosen). Together we will listen to everything that is hard to feel, say and do.
My approach is warm, direct, non-judgmental, and compassionate. I invite all big feelings, rigorous curiosity, and risk-taking. I am equally interested in what causes you pain as I am in what brings you hope, and joy, or makes you laugh. Your strength and ability to feel and heal hold the same weight as your beautiful darkness, fears, and confusion.
Why Therapy?
People seek therapy for so many reasons, but mostly we all want to feel loved, safe and understood. We want to feel a sense of purpose and feel good enough as we are, and yet so many of us struggle to feel these ways. Sometimes our lives and relationships look very different than we imagined and we need help making sense of things, finding our truth, understanding our feelings, learning how to communicate and improving our relationships. We might be feeling disconnected or numb, uncertain or alone. We might be questioning the direction we are heading and need to find some clarity, connection or hope. We might be questioning our identities, our purpose, our beliefs, our relationships or ourselves and in search of inner wisdom, confidence, acceptance and/or clarity.
I am committed to helping my clients access a greater self-awareness and connection to their personal agency and choices and setting healthy boundaries with others. With couples, families and people in relationships I am committed to helping them learn to put their thoughts and feelings into words with each other so that better listening, understanding and connection can unfold.
Self-compassion, mindful awareness and radical self-acceptance are cornerstones in both my own life and my work, which I will help you with should you choose.
What I Specialize In
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples & families. This includes expansive sexualities, non-monogamous or polyamorous relationship structures, gender identity / gender non-conformity & queerness and folx questioning their sexuality and/or gender.
I also work with relationships of all kinds including romantic partners, creative collaborators (including bands), professional partners, plutonic and/or nesting partnerships, families of origin or chosen, co-parents and siblings.
I enjoy working with artists, writers, musicians, and other creatives. I conceptualize the process of psychotherapy as an illuminating portal to the creative process and overall self-awakening. Creativity is inherent in all humans—even if you don’t consider yourself an “artist.”
While I’m not facilitating any groups right now, I’m trained in psychoanalytic interpersonal process groups and plan to run another in 2025. Group work can be profoundly healing for many.
Consultation & Trainings
I offer consultation and training to professionals building competency in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, families and communities. I also support parents and families of transgender, gender-variant or queer youth through consultation.
I facilitate workshops and trainings on understanding gender and sexuality expansively and how to work skillfully with LGBTQ+ communities.
Clinical Training
I trained at the Antioch University Counseling Center and Colors LGBTQ+ Youth Counseling Center. I’ve also worked as an addiction counselor and mindfulness instructor in trauma and recovery treatment settings.
Further Education & Training
- EMDR: Trauma Recovery/HAP – Level 1 & 2 Trained
- TRM: Trauma Resource Institute – Level 1 & 2 Trained
- Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT): ICEFT – Externship
- Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA) – multiple trainings in group process work
Graduate Education
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Antioch University, Los Angeles
Professional Organizations
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (Clinical Member)
- Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA)
- American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)
On a Personal Note
My background is in the arts and music. Before studying psychology, I focused on queer and feminist studies and existential inquiry. I’ve spent my life seeking healing, purpose, connection, and meaningful ways to love and accept myself and others. I am a lover of humanity, the arts, animals, and nature.
